Brice had his first Los Angeles area one-man show in a commercial venue, New Watercolors by William Brice, at Frank Perls Gallery, Beverly Hills, from April 20 to May 16. Perls, who opened his gallery in 1939, showed young L.A. talent alongside important European modernists, and was central to building many prominent collections in Los Angeles. Brice continued to show with Frank Perls Gallery through the 1960’s.
The Brices became extremely close with Perls and his wife Ann, remaining so until Perls’ death in 1975.
On May 30, Fanny died of a cerebral hemorrhage. For the first time, Brice was without the larger-than-life presence of his mother.
Brice worked with Lynton R. Kistler, the only master printer of lithography in Los Angeles at that time, to produce his first print, Three Heads.
top to bottom: Frank Perls; Brice in his studio;
Three Heads, 1951, lithograph, 18 x 22 7/8 in.
edition of 25, printed by Lynton Kistler
Three Heads, 1951, lithograph, 18 x 22 7/8 in.
edition of 25, printed by Lynton Kistler
